Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume 1: The Body

In the words of the Buddha, the four foundations of mindfulness (the four satipatthanas) are "the direct path for the purification of beings, for the surmounting of sorrow and lamentation, for the disappearance of dukkha (suffering) and discontent, for acquiring the true method, for the realization of Nibbana." Within the quintessential discourse called the Satipatthana Sutta, we find the Buddha's seminal teachings about the practice of meditation.

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Publisher's Summary

In the words of the Buddha, the four foundations of mindfulness (the four satipatthanas) are "the direct path for the purification of beings, for the surmounting of sorrow and lamentation, for the disappearance of dukkha (suffering) and discontent, for acquiring the true method, for the realization of Nibbana." Within the quintessential discourse called the Satipatthana Sutta, we find the Buddha's seminal teachings about the practice of meditation.

On Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume I: The Body, esteemed teacher and author Joseph Goldstein presents an audio curriculum to reveal the deeper insights of this vital sutta - and how it serves to inform and guide your own daily practice.

Goldstein sets the stage for your journey through the sutta by clarifying the Buddha's initial declaration of the "direct path" to awakening that is its promise. Through the wisdom of Buddhist masters of ancient and modern times and the expertise of his own 40-year study and practice, he shares the subtle nuances of each key term derived from the original Pali. Where do you find the ardency to sustain and balance your efforts along the path? How do you cultivate the breadth of mindfulness that makes any spiritual undertaking possible? What strengthens your perception of impermanence - both internally and externally?

With Goldstein's lucid instruction, you will discover a wellspring of profound revelations to revitalize and mature your practice, and help you bring forth its fruits in every area of your life.

Course objectives:

Explore the four abidings of mindfulness, or qualities of mind, as the direct path for awakening

Observe the three kinds of cravings and desires, and how they manifest

Analyze how mindfulness of the body is the first foundation of mindfulness as taught by the Buddha

Discuss the ways of clearly knowing and the four basic qualities of matter in relationship to the relative (objective or conceptual) and the ultimate (subjective or direct) levels of experience or truth

On Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume I: The Body, Goldstein introduces you to the first satipatthana, the domain of the body. Here, you will learn the cornerstone techniques for successful meditation practice, as taught by the Buddha himself.

From appropriate places and postures for practice to clear comprehension of all aspects of the body to the elements and energies that make up our physical form, Goldstein brings you to the threshold of the "ultimate truth" of our bodies.

This is a review of the three "books" in this trilogy by J. Goldstein. What you have is a set of more then 40 lectures that take you step by step through the Satipatthana Sutta. Some focused lectures, analyze just a few words. Each lecture is 45-60 minutes long, and the audience for these lectures are students of meditation (mostly Vipassana meditation I think), some taking 7 day retreats and some 90 days. The material is at times very personal and advanced, and seems intended for students that have practiced at least 1-4 years. These lectures occurred over 3-4 years, and there is a mild amount of repetition of stories and examples in them. I did not find this repetition straining, as I listened to these lectures over a slow 4-6 month period and have revisited them. If you do not already have some experience in meditation, and practice, then much of what the lectures are about may not make sense to you. These lectures do not seem to me a place to start your study, but a place to deepen it. So if you are a beginner, put these three "book" in your wish list. Then take a class and practice for 1-4 years. A better book for beginners might be "the art of living" by W. Hart or any of the books by Pema Chodron. I am profoundly thankful the author and the group of students that made this amazing trilogy possible.

That the first track is actually from the 6th lecture I believe, before the actual series begins on track 2.

And, well, that's not really a negative thing to say, right? Just a shout-out for a little IT intervention, I suppose.

Regardless, Joseph Goldstein should be a core component to your Buddhist lecture library in that he strikes the balance between very technical and very loving/open with a sincerity that you can appreciate - if you are ok with slow paced, careful formulations of words.

Probably not for those seeking fast injections of mental calm and assurances from Deepak Chopra, Dr Phil, or Eckhart Tolle.

Essentially, this is a lecture series recorded live in front of a group, covering the basic ideas of Buddhism. At my current level, I can only imagine what the well-versed would get out of this. I've only recently really started expanding my understanding of Buddhism as part of my continuing education on the religions of the world, and I found this easy to grasp but still difficult to fully appreciate. I think that's more the nature of the teachings, however, that understanding will unfold in time with practice and repeat exposure. I found the expansion of the ideas presented to be of immense value. To my mind, this might be as easy as it gets, if one can truly say such a thing of this system.

If you have had enough of various simplistic books that tell you the world will deliver your wildest dreams or whatever you want if you just ask, and instead you want tough love, then this is a book for you. Joseph Goldstein has lots of experience and knowledge of Buddhism - an approachable, interesting, scientifically credible spiritual tradition that is 2,500 years old. Goldstein makes the Buddha's teachings fresh and accessible and provides new ways of thinking about a range of life's ups and downs. A gem of a book and a treat to listen to Joseph's wry, self-deprecating humour as he explains his encounters with ancient wisdoms.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Mr S.P.Davis

Southsea, Portsmouth, United Kingdom

10/25/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Precision Engineering for the 21st Century Mind"

What did you like most about Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume 1?

Owning it; knowing it; letting it go.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume 1?

The meditation bell....coming and going without error.

What about Joseph Goldstein’s performance did you like?

It's completeness.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

In Emptiness, no-one can hear your Noble Silence.

Any additional comments?

This is a superb presentation of the 'body contemplations'. An absolute must listen for all genuine lovers of dhamma. Goldstein makes a lot of sense and knows his subject extremely well.

Heartily recommended.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

3/17/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"wonderful"

A fantastic, life changing work. Detailed, insightful and appreciated very much.

I have enjoyed all volumes in this series.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

mike

1/29/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Clear and to the point"

Excellent teacher - speaking very directly

Bears multiple listening so excellent value

I've ticked 5 stars for story just so the recommendation sticks at 5 stars

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Everard Edoo

KSA

3/26/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Absolute rubbish and a pure waste of money."

What disappointed you about Abiding in Mindfulness, Volume 1?

Contrived nonsense by a 'wannabe' yogi

What could Joseph Goldstein have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

By shutting his mouth

Would you be willing to try another one of Joseph Goldstein’s performances?

Mmmmm, let me think. No, I don't think so.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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